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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
Dogs have been at the center of my life and career. I’m a certified A.B.C.D.T. trainer through Animal Behavior College, a former city animal control officer, former shelter manager, and former San Diego Zoo Zoological Society employee. Today, my passion is training humans to confidently train their own dogs.
I’m a high-reward, balanced trainer who focuses on clear structure, respect, and the power of praise, using the least intrusive, minimally aversive methods. I help prevent owner surrenders by addressing everything from puppy basics to serious behavior issues like reactivity, aggression, anxiety, and household conflicts.
My goal is to bridge the communication gap between you and your dog, rebuild calm and confidence in your home, and create lasting behavioral change. If you’re ready for a deeper, more balanced relationship with your dog, I’d love to work with you.
Overview
Current Top Pro
Hired 569 times
137 similar jobs done near you
Background checked
1 employee
5 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
Services offered
Dog training package
Dog size
Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs)
Small (16 - 25 lbs)
Medium (26 - 40 lbs)
Large (41 - 70 lbs)
Dog training type
Private lessons
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
388 reviews
5
99%
4
1%
3
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Read reviews that mention:
Meredith M.
Feb 20, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Let me just start with, if you are in need of a dogtrainer, there is no one better than Nathaniel. I can go on and on about how wonderful he is. We just adopted a new puppy and I immediately scheduled training classes with Nathaniel. We previously used Nathaniel to help train our adult dog who was very aggressive to strangers and he had her loving him in about 20 min. After we did the training with him she was like a different dog. He knows so much about dog behavior and breaks it down for you so you can understand what to do and why you are doing it. He is wonderful to work with and even offers support between trainings. You can call with questions and he reviews your “homework” videos and offers helpful critiques. Our new puppy was chewing on everything and nipping. But by following his suggestions, he is a much calmer dog. I truly believe he can train any dog. I highly recommend him to anyone! You are making the right choice!
Details: 6 - 12 months old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • House training • Biting • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Suzana B.
Feb 17, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Nathaniel is absolutely exceptional trainer! Patient, knowledgeable, and truly invested in our dog’s success. He took the time to understand not just our dog’s behavior, but also our family dynamic, and tailored the training to fit our needs perfectly. We saw remarkable improvement and feel much more confident as dog owners. Highly recommend!
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • Leash pulling • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Christi R.
Apr 16, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
The guidance from Nathaniel was clear, practical, and easy to follow, even outside of training sessions. I feel much more confident now and my dog, Archie is happier because of it.
If you’re looking for someone who is knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely cares about the well-being of your pet, I highly recommend him. It’s been a great investment for both me and my dog.
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Private lessons • Aggressive behavior modification • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Inaki B.
Jan 30, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
We had a truly remarkable experience with Nathaniel’s dogtraining services for our 7 year old pit bull, Raja. From start to finish, Nathaniel was extremely professional, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable about both training and overall dog care.
The transformation in Raja has been nothing short of amazing. After the training, he was like a completely different dog as he was calmer, more obedient, and able to interact comfortably with our entire family. He now follows commands, walks beautifully on a leash, and is genuinely enjoyable to be around in ways we hadn’t experienced before.
Nathaniel has been a lifesaver for our family. Because of his expertise and dedication, we are finally able to truly enjoy Raja’s companionship. We are so grateful for his work and would highly recommend his services to anyone looking for effective, compassionate, and professional dog training.
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • Leash pulling • House training • Barking • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Andrea L.
Oct 22, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
I can’t say enough great things about Nathaniel! When I first started working with him, I had a fearful 100 lbs foster dog who struggled with anxiety around her triggers & had a fear of men. It was heartbreaking to see her so scared, but Nathaniel came in with a compassionate approach and a wealth of knowledge that immediately put both of us at ease.
From our very first session, it was clear that he truly understands canine behavior. Nathaniel took the time to evaluate my dog’s specific fears and tailored her training methods to suit her unique needs. He gave me the tools I needed to help her succeed & the positive reinforcement techniques he used not only encouraged my dog to face her fears but also built a strong bond of trust between us. By the second session Nina was showing major improvements. She even let Nathaniel pet and love on her!!!! 🥹
One of the most impressive aspects of his training was how he helped my dog learn to manage her reactions to triggers. It’s incredible to see the progress we’ve made! My foster now feels significantly more comfortable around things that once caused her distress. I can actually see her confidence grow with each passing day!
Additionally, Nathaniel helped me teach her all the essential commands—sit, stay, come, and more! My dog has learned to respond well, making our daily interactions smoother and more enjoyable. The clear structure of the training sessions, coupled with Nathaniel’s enthusiasm and encouragement, made a world of difference.
Although we still have a bit of work to do, the transformation my foster has undergone is remarkable. I’m no longer feeling overwhelmed or hopeless; I genuinely believe that with Nathaniel’s ongoing support, we’ll continue to make fantastic progress.
If you’re dealing with a fearful dog or just want a positive experience in training, I highly recommend Nathaniel. His patience, expertise, and kind demeanor make him an outstanding trainer. I can’t thank you enough!! You’ve given Nina second chance at life and a shot at a family of her own. Thank you for everything! You’ve truly changed our lives for the better!🐾
Details: 1 - 2 years old • Extra large (70+ lbs) • I'm flexible • I'm flexible • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Credentials
Background Check
Nathaniel Silver
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
*Pricing* is done three different ways.
1) Puppy and potty training. In home.
2) Behavioral modification. In home.
3) Puppy training(for an early start and high level of socialization) or behavioral modification(usually for unruly adolescent or aggressive dogs). board and train program. Followed by in home classes also.
We will find the best pricing for you when discussing what kind of training your dog needs.
My results are fast and very long lasting and meant for lifetime behavior.
I encourage owners contact my previous clients on my review boards both here or on Facebook to inquire about their experiences and satisfaction level. This truly is my passion.
I am an animal lover first and foremost . If I am not with them I'm reading about them or watching documentaries most of the time. My husky shepherd of 16 years just passed away this march 13th 2020 and devastated me. This motivated me to come to Florida where I could be close to the everglades and help families become closer and with their new family member and teach their dog independent control.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
The first thing I do is sit with the family and do a brief interview of what the families daily routine and activities are. This allows me to diagnose the root of core issues and where to start antecedent arrangement.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have attended animal behavior college which I am re enrolled in again to update my knowledge. Things change since 2008 and I always like to learn more in general. I attended Hudson Valley college in Troy New York in the environmental science degree program. I originally wanted to work in the everglades in my early 20's. I have now worked with canines for almost 20 years.
